Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, although officials state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
